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Gait analysis as an objective measure in a chronic pain model
Paul Coulthard1, Barbara J Pleuvry, Mike Brewster
1University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, M15 6FH, UK. paul.coulthard@man.ac.uk
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|June 5, 2002
Summary
Gait analysis in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) revealed significant changes in movement patterns, indicating chronic pain. These early gait alterations may allow for earlier pain detection before physical symptoms manifest.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Animal Models
- Pain Research
Background:
- Chronic pain assessment is crucial for effective treatment.
- Adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats is a common model for studying chronic pain.
- Objective gait analysis offers a potential non-invasive method for pain evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively characterize gait changes in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA) as a marker of chronic pain.
- To compare gait parameters between AA and control groups.
- To assess the effect of buprenorphine on gait parameters in AA rats.
Main Methods:
- Video recording and analysis of spontaneous rat ambulations.
- Quantification of temporal and spatial gait parameters.
- Comparison of gait metrics between AA and control rats before and after buprenorphine administration.
Main Results:
- Rats with AA exhibited significantly altered gait parameters, including reduced velocity, stride length, and stance times, by day 10.
- Paw analysis showed altered ground contact and pad/digit areas, though not all were significant.
- Buprenorphine administration partially reversed key gait changes, such as increased velocity and stride length.
Conclusions:
- Gait alterations serve as an objective marker for chronic pain in the adjuvant arthritis rat model.
- These significant behavioral changes occur early, potentially enabling earlier pain detection than other methods.
- Objective gait analysis holds promise for early diagnosis and monitoring of chronic pain conditions.